What Causes Periarthritis of the Shoulder?

Periarthritis of the shoulder, also known as adhesive capsulitis or “frozen shoulder,” is a common condition colloquially referred to as “shoulder periarthritis.” Pain in the shoulder develops gradually and becomes more pronounced at night. Range of motion in the shoulder joint becomes increasingly restricted over time. After reaching a peak severity, symptoms gradually subside until full recovery occurs. So, what causes periarthritis of the shoulder?

Causes of Periarthritis of the Shoulder

The primary cause lies in age-related degeneration of local soft tissues around the shoulder. As individuals age, these soft tissues undergo degenerative changes, leading to reduced effective joint volume and diminished capacity to withstand mechanical stress. Additionally, because the shoulder joint is highly active, prolonged overuse or poor posture can result in chronic microtrauma. Upper limb trauma or immobilization may also lead to atrophy and adhesions of shoulder soft tissues. Extra-articular factors—including cervical spondylosis or disorders affecting the heart, lungs, or biliary tract—can cause referred pain to the shoulder region; such pain may subsequently trigger localized inflammation and functional impairment. In daily life, insufficient physical activity, exposure to cool weather, or excessive shoulder use can all predispose individuals to shoulder overuse injuries or inflammatory conditions, thereby increasing the risk of developing periarthritis of the shoulder.

Many patients wrap their shoulders with cotton padding year-round—even during summer—and avoid exposing the shoulder to drafts. Some patients experience marked tenderness upon palpation, most commonly located near the bicipital groove (the groove where the long head of the biceps tendon runs). Such findings should raise suspicion for periarthritis of the shoulder. Early in the disease course, muscles surrounding the shoulder—including the deltoid and supraspinatus—may undergo spasm; in later stages, disuse atrophy may develop. Classic clinical signs include prominent acromion, difficulty lifting the arm, and impaired extension (particularly posterior rotation).

Dietarily, patients should maintain balanced nutrition and avoid picky eating habits. Foods rich in vitamin C—such as fresh fruits, milk, and green leafy vegetables—are encouraged, while greasy or overly fatty foods should be limited. We hope this information proves helpful to you.